Authorization to Use Mist Nets

Mist nets require a high degree of skill and manual dexterity if they are to
be used without causing undue injury or mortality to birds. A greater knowledge
of identification and aging and sexing techniques is also necessary than if the
bander uses only traps.

A bander who wants authorization to use mist nets should provide
justification. When possible, the bander will be requested to work with another
bander who is experienced in the use of nets and to obtain a recommendation from
that bander. In the U.S., each mist net (and trap) should bear a tag with the
bander's name and permit number. As an alternative, the immediate vicinity of
such devices may be posted with signs provided by the Bird Banding Laboratory.

The Bird Banding Laboratory will usually restrict the number of mist nets
that a bander is allowed to use. Banders feel they have the skill to manage
more mist nets can request that the number of nets on their permit be increased.
The number of nets listed on a Subpermit may not exceed the number of nets
listed on a Master Permit.

Authorization to use Chemicals to Capture Migratory Birds

Some chemical agents may be used to tranquilize birds and enable their
capture for marking. This technique requires a high degree of skill.
Authorization will be granted only in exceptional cases.

Before requesting such authorization from the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory,
write for an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) letter of permission from
the FDA to use drugs to capture birds. Write to or call Food and Drug
Administration, Bureau of Veterinary Medicine, 5600 Fishers Lane, Parklawn
Building, Room 6B-12, mail drop HFV-130, Rockville, Md. 20857. Phone (301)
594-0614. The Bird Banding Offices will review requests with the appropriate
regional offices. At least 60 days should be allowed for such applications to
be processed.

Authorization to use Rocket Nets to Capture Migratory Birds

A bander who wants authorization to use rocket, cannon nets or net guns should
provide justification and list their experience.

The use of rocket (cannon) nets as a capture device is very tightly controlled.
The purchasing of the charges used to propel the net is controlled and users
must be on an approved purchasers list in order to purchase the charges. These
capture devices may catch large numbers of birds at one time, and banders using
these nets should be trained in the use of the nets and set up to handle and
process large numbers of birds safely.

Researchers who have a need to use rocket (cannon) nets in the USA may
request permission to use these capture devices from the US Fish and Wildlife
Service but should allow an extensive lead time. Allow a minumum of six months
to a year between the time the request is made and the time you actually need
the rocket net charges in your possession. The shipping and distribution of the
charges used to propel the nets is also restricted, and delivery of the charges
from the manufacturer to the researcher may take a lengthy period of time.

Only researches within federal and state agencies or with a direct
university link are normally allowed to purchase and use rocket net charges.
Contractors (even contractors for agencies), pest control companies, and private
individuals are not normally approved to be allowed to purchase the rocket net
charges.

The manufacturer of rocket net charges can only sell these charges to those
on the approved list of purchasers. To be added to this list, send a written
request to the appropriate U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director.
The request should include a description of the need to use rocket nets and
the research involved, as well as a statement that only trained personnel will
be allowed to used the rocket nets and that any unused charges will be dealt
with in an appropriate, approved manner. If the Regional Director approves the
request you will be given an ID number and allowed to purchase the charges.